The overall strength of Germany’s economy has led to a re-think on the areas suitable for higher incentives. Eastern Germany, with the exception of Berlin and Leipzig, can incentivize investments by up to 15 per cent up to the end of 2017 and up to 10 per cent thereafter until the end of 2020, the end of the new period of validity for the new map, which can be seen here:

In the Eastern German regions closest to the Polish border, incentives of up to 20% can be offered for the entire period. Moreover, small and medium enterprises get additional benefits, with medium-sized companies eligible for an extra ten per cent and small enterprises up to an extra 20 - so a small enterprise on the Polish border could incentivize investments by up to 40 per cent overall.

The map shows which areas in Germany are allowed to offer investment funding rates and which areas can offer which rates. Having been ratified by the EU, it was then returned to the federal and state governments for further ratification.

The new map will be valid from July 1st, 2014 until the end of 2020. It serves as a mechanism to promote new investment into structurally weaker areas of the country and thereby achieve the long-term aim of equalising economic conditions and infrastructural standards across the country.

In Western Germany, the strength of the economy in relation to Europe has meant that Hamburg and Baden-Württemberg are unable to incentivise any investments, while only certain parts of the rest of the region are set for 10 per cent.

The regions are now awaiting the EU guidelines for the investment incentive claims, to find out precisely what conditions need to be fulfilled in order to be able to claim the cherished funds.